Welcome to Boa Vista! today there is an important meeting at 18:00, please meet in the Hotel Reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Boa Vista.Border Information - If joining the trip in Boa Vista, you will fly into Boa Vista-Atlas Brasil Cantanhede International Airport (BVB)
Today we will start out early and head into Guyana, to the open Savannah region, where we will stay in a well equipped camp site and have an opportunity to take part in some optional activities, such as horse riding, hiking and canoeing.
Today we have a free day for activities such a horse riding, hiking and further opportunities for spotting wildlife.
We will have a short drive into the heart of the Iwokrama Forest, a protected area of pristine rainforest. Along the way we will visit a local village. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife you may see from the road side such as red howler monkeys and toucans. This evening we will have time to walk in the canopy of the forest.
We will spend the day enjoying the peace and tranquility of the rainforest, we have time to explore and search out the amazing wildlife that lives in this area.
Today is a big drive along the wonderfully undeveloped main road from the forest to Georgetown! The journey is primarily on a bumpy dirt road, which we will share with commuter minibuses and trucks, all winding their way through the rainforest. From the town of Linden, the tarmac starts and it's smooth driving for the final 120km to Georgetown! Be sure to keep a look out for wildlife, Jaguars have been known to cross the road right in front of the buses!
Take a morning tour of the city, explore the old canals and great sea wall, visit incredible wooden cathedrals, the huge market and try to spot manatees swimming in the lake of the national park. Georgetown is a busy place and feels happily free from mass tourism. Be sure to take your camera!
Today we have a free day in the city.Perhaps one of the greatest highlights of Guyana is the spectacularly remote and impressive Kaieteur Falls, one of the tallest single drop waterfalls in the world, and reachable only by light aircraft. Take a half day flight to the falls and then enjoy a walking tour to the Falls and search for the tiny golden rocket frogs, hiding in the tank bromeliads leaves, as well as an impressive variety of butterflies, you may also be lucky enough to spot the bright orange Guyana Cock of the Rocks.
Today we will leave the bright lights of Georgetown behind us and cross the border into Suriname. We will follow the coastal road and then cross the river on a ferry. On arrival in Suriname we will head to the Bigi Pan, designated an 'Important Bord Area' of Suriname and famous for it's spectacular shore birds and in particular the Red Ibis.
Enjoy a day on the Bigi Pan.
Todat we will head to the Capital of Paramaribo and enjoy time to explore Paramaribo's historic inner city and the Commewijne area. You can explore the historic centre on foot, visit Fort Zeelandia and the Suriname museum, and enjoy the fantastic architecture of Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, one of the largest wooden buildings in the western hemisphere, or hire a bike and take a boat across the river to cycle the peaceful Commewijne Plantation Loop and visit the star shaped fort at Neiu Amsterdam. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
This morning we leave the truck behind and set off for an unforgettable adventure into the interior of Suriname. We will travel by minibus for approximately 190km to the port at Atjoni, we then hop on a boat for a 1hr trip along the Suriname river, deep into the rainforest where we will stay for two nights on our own private island!Be sure to pack light for this excursion, as we can only take a small bag each with us.During our stay we can visit local villages, walk around the island in the hope of meeting some of its furry inhabitants and learn about the medicinal plants, try to spot Caiman on a night time canoe trip, take a dip in the river at the Ferullasi rapids - a natural jacuzzi, relax on the island by the pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.We will stay in comfortable cabins and enjoy our own pool. All meals are provided during our visit, though you will need a small amount of money for drinks and tips for our local guide.
During our stay we can visit local villages, walk around the island in the hope of meeting some of its furry inhabitants and learn about the medicinal plants, try to spot Caiman on a night time canoe trip, take a dip in the river at the Ferulassi rapids - a natural Jacuzzi, and relax on the island by our pool, spot the kingfishers on the banks of the river and enjoy the tranquillity of the Amazon Rainforest.
This morning is free for you to enjoy how you wish, walk, swim or relax and after lunch we will transfer back to Paramaribo.
We have one more day for exploration. Today is yours to spend as you wish; take a boat trip to Jordensavanne, take part in a Moengo Cultural experience, go walking in the Peperpot Nature reserve or Brownsberg Nature Park, learn the art of Surinamese cookery, or take part in one of the many day tours available.
Today we say goodbye to Suriname and drive to the border, we will take the ferry across the Maroni River to Saint Lauren du Maroni in French Guiana.Border Information: Exit Suriname at Albina, Enter French Guiana at Saint Laurent du Maroni
Today we have a free morning to explore the border town of Saint Laurent du Maroni, located on the Maroni River, with its interesting and dark history as an arrival point for prisoners during the 19th Century.During Turtle Season (March to August) in the afternoon we will drive to the northern beach of Plage les Hattes, in the hope of spotting the Olive Ridley and Leaderback turtles. In the off season we can opt to spend an extra day in Saint Laurent du Maroni.
Today we will head out to the town of Kourou; the site of the European Space station and the starting point for boat trips around the former penal colony on Devil's Island, one of the infamous Iles du Salut, off the coast of French Guiana. The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon
Today we will visit the European Space Centre near Kourou, en route to the capital city of Cayenne.
Today we have a half day city tour, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the city, perhaps take a boat trip to the former penal colony on Devil’s Island, one of the infamous Iles du Salut, off the coast of French Guiana. The ordeal of Frenchman Henri Charriere, who spent 12 years here, would later inspire the book Papillon.
This morning we will depart Cayenne and begin our adventure across the furthest northern section of Brazil. This section of the trip requires some flexibility due to the departure timings of the Passenger boat and Truck Ferry, as well as the road conditions and weather. We will travel 780km in total over the next couple of days, staying in a basic hotel en route to the port in Macapa.
Overlanding towards the port town of Macapa
Overlanding towards the port town of Macapa
We hope to board the Amazon passenger boat this morning, sailing to the port of Belem - this crossing usually takes around 24hours. Be sure to bring some snacks, playing cards and a good book for the journey! Our meals are included on the ferry, but be prepared for a real local experience. There is usually a shop and a bar selling drinks and snacks on board. The truck will depart on a separate ferry in the evening and takes around 36hours to arrive.Whilst on board we sleep in hammocks on deck. It is possible to upgrade in advance to a cabin, please contact your Sales agent for further information.
Welcome to Belem! Today there is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs please meet at the Hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Belem.Border information: If you are starting your trip in Belem, enter Brazil at Val De Cans Air port (IATA code BEL)
Today is yours to enjoy the port town of Belem, one of the first Portuguese settlements. Explore the historic centre which houses various museums and cathedrals and be sure to visit the Ver-o-Paso Market, considered the largest in South America, with its stalls scattered with Amazonian fish, baskets of Acai, herbs and crafts.
Our first drive brings us to the UNESCO world heritage site of Sao Luis, the only city of Brazil to be founded by the French. Depending upon the ferry we may choose instead to spend the night in neighbouring Alcântara.
Sao Luis is full of interesting museums, the historic centre houses beautiful, pastel coloured colonial mansions. You can take a boat trip to the more laid back town of Alcântara, you may spot the Scarlet ibis, or guaras on your way.
Today we will drive to the town of Barreirinhas, gateway to the Lencois Maranhenses National Park.
Today we will head out in motor boats through the Preguica River, to the protected area of Pequenos Lencois, along the way, we will visit a small fishing village, take a short walk & enjoy the views of the dunes and the Preguicas River.
Today we will enjoy another day in the Lencois Maranhenses NP. Seen from the sky, the meeting point of the Rio Parnaiba and the Atlantic Ocean looks like a giant puzzle, made up of 85 tiny islands.
Today we drive to the laid back beach town of Jericoacoara, or 'Jeri' as it's affectionately known. Access to Jericoacoara is only by 4WD through unpaved tracks through the dunes, making it a wonderfully hard to reach place.
Jericoacoara is a magical place to spend some time; wander the sandy lanes, enjoy the sunset with a caipirinha on the dunes whilst the locals practise their Capoeira, head out on a quad bike adventure to remote lagoons where you can take a dip, laze in a hammock and enjoy a seafood lunch. Jeri is also one of the prime spots for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing!
Drive day to the pretty seaside town of Canoa Quebrada.
Huge pinkish sand dunes dominate the area of Canoa Quebrada, it's a fantastic spot to kick back and relax or for the more energetic, take an evening horseback ride along the beach or head out on a beach buggy. There's a laid back small town to explore too with lots of great cafes and bars.
Today we'll head south the the cool seaside town of Praia da Pipa.
We have a full day drive to the stunning colonial gem of Olinda, considered one of Brazil's most important historic sites.
Explore the beautiful town of Olinda, once known as 'small Lisbon' and the richest town in Brazil. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets, check out some of the exquisite churches and definitely make time for lunch at Alto de Se, to enjoy the views!
Today we head south along the coast, into the state of Bahia and to the town of Aracaju, where we can chill out in one of the town's seafront eateries, listen to some traditional forró music and enjoy the fresh crabs that the town is known for.
Today we complete the journey to the vibrant city of Salvador, known around the world for its Carnival festivities. Salvador is home to over 300 churches, the historic centre is recognised by UNESCO and full of interesting architecture, brightly coloured buildings and cobblestone streets. It's an excellent place to witness the African culture in music and dance and enjoy some delicious street food.
Today is the final day for passengers finishing their trip in Salvador. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight – please contact your Sales Agent if you are interested in booking an extra night of accommodation or if you would like to join the journey south to Rio de Janeiro.Border Information: if you are finishing your trip in Salvador, you will most likely exit Brazil at Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (IATA code: SSA)